3. Supermarkets now have more vegan products

Supermarkets are increasing their range of vegan products, with great options already in most UK supermarkets. The ‘Free From’ section or ‘Vegetarian’ section in the fridge or freezer isles is a good place to start.

4. Don’t sweat the small stuff

In the EU, if a product has the label “may contain traces of eggs and milk”, it means this item was most likely produced in a factory that uses these ingredients in other products and it isn’t in the product itself. We suggest you ignore this unless you have an allergy to any of these ingredients.

If you have leather shoes, bags, wool clothes, we recommend you phase them out gradually, you’ve already bought them after all.

As your wardrobe wears out you may need some replacements. There are a growing number of vegan friendly retailers popping up. One of our favourites is Will’s Vegan Shoes & Accessories Co.

5. Experiment with seasonal vegetables

Explore seasonal fruit and veg at your local market or get an organic veg box delivered once a week. This will inspire you to try new recipes. There are some fantastic ideas online at One Green Planet.

6. “Veganise” your favourite recipes

The easiest way to transition to veganism is to think of vegan-friendly versions of foods you already enjoy eating. If you like chicken curry with rice, try instead tofu curry with veg and rice. Shepherds pie with beef? Try replacing the beef with soya mince or lentils and add extra vegetables.

Want some great recipes to get you started? Here are some of our favourite recipe books

7. Find out where to eat out

Veganism is on the rise and new vegan or vegan-friendly restaurants are popping up all around the world! Check out our UK restaurant directory and see www.happycow.net for international locations (be sure to drop a review on our directory if you try any of the restaurants/cafes listed).

10. Stand by your decision

Some people think it’s cool to criticise you for going vegan, but often this is due to their own misconceptions, or guilt about eating animals. Remember that you are doing this for sound, logical reasons; be it to protect your own health, the environment, animals, or to help solve issues like world hunger.

You may be asked some unusual questions, such as “If you were stranded on a desert island with a pig and no other food, would you eat it?” and statements like “Farm animals only exist because we eat them, so eating them is helping the species to survive”.